Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'debutante'

English Word: debutante

Key Russian Translations:

• дебютантка [dʲɪˈbʲutəntkə] - [Formal; Used in cultural or social contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in literary, historical, or formal descriptions of social events.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and cultural concepts, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дебютантка: [dʲɪˈbʲutəntkə]

Note on дебютантка: The stress falls on the third syllable ("bʲut"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'дʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A young woman making her formal entrance into society, often at a debut ball or social event.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дебютантка - Used in formal or historical contexts to describe a female participant in a debut event, such as a ball or social debut in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Она дебютантка на ежегодном балу в Москве.

  She is a debutante at the annual ball in Moscow.

• Дебютантка нервно поправляла платье перед выходом на сцену.

  The debutante nervously adjusted her dress before stepping onto the stage.

• В XIX веке дебютантки были центром внимания на светских раутах.

  In the 19th century, debutantes were the center of attention at social gatherings.

• Молодая дебютантка представила себя публике с грацией и уверенностью.

  The young debutante introduced herself to the public with grace and confidence.

• Дебютантка в белом платье танцевала вальс под взоры гостей.

  The debutante in the white dress danced a waltz under the guests' gazes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дебютантка" is a feminine noun (first declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -а, with regular declensions based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • новичок (novichok) - General term for a beginner, but less specific to social debuts; often used in informal contexts.
  • первокурсница (pervokursnitsa) - For a female first-year student, with a connotation of educational debuts.
• Antonyms:
  • ветеран (veteran) - Refers to someone experienced, contrasting with the novelty of a debutante.
  • профессионал (professional) - Implies expertise, opposite to the inexperience of a debutante in social settings.

Related Phrases:

• Сделать дебют (sdelat' deb'yut) - To make a debut; Used for first appearances in various contexts, e.g., in theater or society. (This phrase highlights initial public exposure.)
• Дебютный бал (debyutnyy bal) - Debut ball; A formal event for young women entering society. (Common in historical or cultural discussions.)
• Молодая дебютантка общества (molodaya debyutantka obshchestva) - Young debutante of society; Emphasizes social status and introduction. (Often appears in literature or formal descriptions.)

Usage Notes:

"Дебютантка" directly corresponds to the English "debutante" in cultural and social contexts, but it's more commonly used in Russian literature or historical references rather than modern everyday speech. It's typically formal and feminine-specific; for a male equivalent, use "дебютант" (debyutant). Be aware of grammatical agreement: always decline it according to Russian cases. When choosing between translations, opt for "дебютантка" in contexts involving high society, as it carries a similar connotation of elegance and tradition.

• In informal settings, Russians might use simpler terms like "новичок" to avoid the formality.
• Grammar note: As a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the masculine form "дебютант" for a female subject. Correct: "Она дебютантка" instead of "Он дебютант". Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, so always match the subject's gender; this mistake can confuse the intended meaning in social contexts.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., saying "с дебютантка" instead of "с дебютанткой" in the instrumental case. Correct: "с дебютанткой". Explanation: Learners often overlook case endings; practicing declension tables can help avoid this.

• Error: Overusing in modern contexts where it's outdated. Correct: Use in historical or formal writing; in casual talk, say "новичок". Explanation: This word feels archaic, so misapplying it can make speech sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "дебютантка" is tied to 19th-century European traditions, as depicted in literature like Tolstoy's works. It symbolizes the transition from youth to adulthood in high society, often involving balls and formal presentations. This term carries connotations of elegance and social status but is less prevalent in contemporary Russia, where such customs have faded.

Related Concepts:

• дебют (debyut)
• светское общество (svetskoe obshchestvo)
• бал (bal)